Purpose of this game

This game is designed to help music students learn literacy and basic instrument fingerings. Students previously had little or no feedback related to these topics outside of their lesson. Now students may improve fingering and literacy skills by gaining feedback at home at any time.

This game is not intended to substitute for live teacher instruction. No machine can provide the individualized instruction necessary for true learning to occur. However, this game is a rewarding enrichment tool to enhance and reinforce previously learned information.

Regular vs. competitive Version

The regular version of MusicRacer is accessible by anyone, includeing those schools that were previously blacklisted. The competitive version can only be accessed if the user's IP address has been registered in advance. Directors may sign-up for an administrative account (from a school e-mail address). With this account, directors can add or subtract IP address access in real time.

There is no cost and there is no obligation to be a registered director. All I ask is that directors monitor the IP addresses associated with their registration. Delete or edit if necessary. And please advise students that inappropriate words on the Top 50 list are easily traced and will result in suspension of that IP address.

Winner Codes

Winner codes were added in the summer of 2020. Everyone who wins a game (perfect answers, fast enough time) will receive a code, regardless of whether they make the Top 50 List. Directors may then enter those codes into the Code Checker to verify the code. The code will provide information regarding the game, level, instrument, time, and IP address of the winner. The code will NOT provide stduent name or school information.

Music Terminology 101

The player is shown a music term and is given five possible choices. He or she is then ranked on accuracy and time. A player must average under 4 seconds per question to receive the highest time ranking; the highest accuracy ranking is given when all questions were answered correctly. This game has only one level.

Note Names

The player is shown a note on a staff, and must select the correct note name. All levels and instruments are unique, representing the appropriate range of that instrument. The player is ranked on accuracy and time. He or she must average under 4 seconds per question to receive the highest time ranking. The highest accuracy ranking is given when the player answers all questions correctly. Both the highest time and accuracy rankings must be earned to advance to the next level.

Fingerings

The player is shown a note on a staff, and must select the correct fingering. All levels and instruments are unique, representing the appropriate range of that instrument. The player is ranked on accuracy and time. He or she must average under 4 seconds per question to receive the highest time ranking.The highest accuracy ranking is given when the player answers all questions correctly. Both the highest time and accuracy rankings must be earned to advance to the next level. For help with fingerings, go here.

Game Times

Beginner Level:

Level I: under 32 seconds
Level II: 32-64 seconds
Level III: 64 sec. - 1 min. 36 sec.
Level IV: 1 min. 36 sec. - 4 min.

Medium Level:

Level I: under 64 seconds
Level II: 64 sec. - 2 min. 8 sec.
Level III: 2 min. 8 sec. - 3 min. 12 sec.
Level IV: 3 min. 12 sec. - 4 min.

Difficult Level:

Level I: under 1 minute 20 seconds
Level II: 1 min. 20 sec. - 2 min. 40 sec.
Level III: 2 min. 40 sec. - 4 min.
Level IV: Not possible

Game information

This game was written using HTML and JAVASCRIPT. Until recently, the game could not save or compare scores. Then I mastered (ya, right) the art of PHP scripting, mySQL databases, and cookies. At this point, scores may be kept! My principle references for creating this game were JavaScript for the World Wide Web by Tom Negrino and Dori Smith, JavaScript Application Cookbook by Jerry Bradenbaugh, and Professional JavaScript by Nigel McFarlane & Co.

The material on this page is under development, written by David Carroll. Inquiries may be sent to dave@morriscreek.com.